An Australian national is among the more than 115 people injured in a catastrophic fire that killed at least 40 during New Year's Eve celebrations at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland.
Consular Support Activated for Injured Australian
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family of the Australian citizen, who is currently receiving medical care. A spokesperson stated the Australian government is in contact with Swiss authorities to determine if any other Australians were involved in the tragedy, adding, 'We stand ready to provide consular assistance.'
Flashover Turned Celebration into Inferno
The blaze tore through the packed Le Constellation bar in the resort in southwestern Switzerland in the early hours of New Year's Day. Investigators said the fire rapidly intensified into a flashover, an event where extreme heat causes everything in an enclosed space to ignite almost simultaneously, leaving people scant chance to escape.
Witnesses believe the disaster began shortly after 1:30am when a waitress holding a sparkler during champagne service accidentally ignited decorative material on the ceiling. Dramatic verified footage shows enormous flames spreading rapidly across the ceiling of the cramped venue as music played.
Harrowing Accounts from Survivors
Survivors have described scenes of panic and confusion as people rushed to get out, with many overcome by smoke and suffering horrific burns. One witness, Gianni, told Swiss outlet 20 Minuten that victims had severe burns, with faces 'completely disfigured' and hair burned away. He recounted how many were left blackened by the flames, their clothes fused to their skin.
Floral tributes have been laid outside the charred remains of the bar in memory of the victims.
Investigation and National Mourning
The head of the local canton's police, Frederic Gisler, said work is underway to identify the victims and inform their families. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the disaster as 'one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known', noting that most of the deceased were young people.
The community and nation are now in mourning as the full scale of the New Year's Eve horror becomes clear.
